Faith

Joy Through Humility – Philippians 1:6-8

"Ancient Theatre, built by Philip II in the 4th century BC and later reconstructed by the Romans, Philippi (7272297822).jpg" by Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

In my previous post, I went over how Paul told the Philippian church of his thankfulness for them and how they had partnered with him since the beginning of their church. In today’s verses we will see just how much Paul loved and appreciated the Philippian church.

I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

 Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020)

1:6 – The apostle speaks of the “good work” that God had started in the Philippians. C.H. Spurgeon called this, “the work of divine grace in the soul that is the operation of the Holy Spirit.” Paul was confident that the work of salvation that God had started in the hearts of the Philippian Christians was not something that God would start and then neglect. Psalm 138:8 says, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. Lord, your faithful love endures forever; do not abandon the work of your hands.” Since God’s love endures forever, Paul could be confident that God would not leave his work in the Philippians unfinished. God does not abandon his work after he starts something like we humans are so often found doing. The Almighty God does not get tired or bored with a project. He does not lose energy so as to be unable to complete the task. God will complete his work in us on the day when Christ Jesus returns in glory.

1:7 – Paul knew it was right for him to have these thoughts about the Philippian church because of the affection that Paul and the Philippians had for each other. The church in Philippi had such love for Paul that they sent Epaphroditus to serve and minister to him (Phil 2:25). Paul had such love for the Philippians that he became concerned when Epaphroditus became ill and could not immediately go back to Philippi (Phil 2:26-28). The gift that Epaphroditus brought to Paul from the Philippian church showed their partnership with Paul. Their partnership helped to advance the gospel, as we will see in verses 12 and 13.

1:8 – Paul further assures his readers of his love and affection for them by taking an oath before God and stating, “how deeply I miss all of you.” The ESV translates this phrase as “I yearn for you all.” This yearning or longing is, “with the affection of Christ Jesus.” John Calvin said that “the man who loves according to the flesh has respect to his own advantage, and may from time to time change his mind according to the variety of circumstances and seasons.” However, when we love according to the work of Christ in us, we do so with selfless love, with a love that is humble. When we love with the love of Christ we will truly care for the welfare of others above our own.

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